1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1959 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, both 1959 Abarth 850 and 1959 Volkswagen Beetle were released in the same year (1959). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,192 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Abarth 850 (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1959 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Abarth 850 should accelerate faster than 1959 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 170 kg more than 1959 Abarth 850.
Because 1959 Abarth 850 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1959 Abarth 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Volkswagen Beetle, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1959 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 850 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1560 mm |
